CEO's blog: community voices, winter wellness and what's next
It's no exaggeration to say that this year has been turbulent: in June we heard the devastating announcement from Government that the Healthwatch network—the only statutory independent mechanism for patient feedback—will be shut down.
Coupled with the severe budget cuts demanded of Integrated Care Boards, we're closing 2025 looking at a radically changing health and care landscape. For patient experience, credible feedback mechanisms, and resident engagement opportunities, the future is uncertain.
Despite this, we remain focused on doing what we can to make an impact in the time we have left. Every report, every visit, every conversation adds to the legacy of community voices being heard.
This week, we've publish our report, 'From HK to MK', a deep-dive into the patient experiences of Hong Kong migrants living in Milton Keynes. From accessing GPs to navigating communication barriers, their stories highlight both the challenges and the resilience of this community. It’s a reminder of why independent feedback matters, and why shining a spotlight on seldom-heard voices must remain central to how care is shaped.
In the last week, you will have no doubt heard the alarming statistics around flu cases. Flu season is proving particularly severe this year, with hospitalisations rising week on week. If you haven’t yet had your flu jab, please consider doing so—even if you’re not eligible for the free vaccine, it’s worth protecting yourself and those around you if finances allow. And don’t forget to check that your school-age children have received theirs too. If they have missed their flu nasal spray, the school-age immunisation team can help you get booked in. You can call them directly on 0300 555 5055 (option 5 for booking clinics).
Last week, I attended the first Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Delivery Committee. This new Board holds primarily similar membership to the previous BLMK Board of the ICB but becomes more operational in the delivery of integrated health and care across BLMK. It’s encouraging to see a structured space continuing for driving the delivery of great care within our region, within the context of the larger Central East Integrated Care System we now sit in, where local voices can help shape practical changes in how care is delivered. We'll be monitoring the plans as things progress.
Looking ahead to early 2026, we’ll be publishing our Enter and View report for Milton Keynes University Hospital, following our recent visit which spanned multiple Wards and hospital departments.
Finally, a heartfelt thankyou from the entire team for standing with us this year. Your support and thoughtful engagement has enabled us to continue having a positive impact on our local health and care services. We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas. We will be back, rested and ready to go in 2026.
